Accessible Design Archives

Innovative design for the accessible bathroom

October 2, 2025

Features by Diane Larner, founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review.
Diane Larner launched both titles over 15 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industries ever since, publishing regular features across both sectors.

Accessible bathroom design represents a growing trend as architects strive to create spaces that are barrier-free, visually compelling, and future-ready. In addition, manufacturers are promoting design-led aesthetics that ensure the sector is no longer limited to bland institutional looks, but deliver stunning, adaptable designs that create a compelling focal point.

Advancements in technology also mean today’s inclusive bathrooms offer architects an opportunity to merge inclusivity with innovation, addressing the needs of an ageing population alongside everyday bathroom design.

In this feature, Diane Larner examines the latest products to reach the market – from touchless taps to slip-resistant surfaces.

The Magic Touch

Bathroom-Review-Gosfield-accessible-design — Fitzroy of London Gosfield Collection

According to the World Health Organization, over 1.3 billion people globally experience significant disability.* This represents 16% of the world’s population, or 1 in 6 of us. Rule 101 of accessible bathroom design is to specify products that are safe and easy to use. With this in mind, touchless taps with thermostatic controls are a desirable solution for preventing accidents and limiting the spread of disease. For hoteliers, housebuilders and the healthcare sectors, these fittings not only enhance hygiene and accessibility standards but also improve the user experience. Additionally, integrated sensors add an extra layer of safety, helping washrooms meet water-saving and compliance demands while delivering a clean, modern look.

Fitzroy of London’s head of product, Mark Shepherd, agrees, “There are a variety of innovations that we are seeing when it comes to the luxury bathroom environment. Thermostatic precision, enabled by modern valve technology, ensures the consistent delivery of water temperature, helping to prevent scalding or cold-water shock when there is a significant change in the incoming water pressure.

“There has also been a significant increase in the demand for touchless activation, whether it’s using infrared sensors on toilet cisterns or taps, or through voice activation and smart home application integration.”

The Gosfield Collection by Fitzroy of London features advanced infrared sensor taps, along with precise control over water flow and temperature, ensuring comfort and safety in both residential and commercial settings. All products are WRAS-approved and Regulation 4 certified, meeting stringent requirements for water efficiency and compliance.

The collection includes beautifully crafted deck and wall-mounted taps, contemporary handheld and overhead shower solutions, shower arms, and precise shower mixers.

Staying Grounded

Bathroom-Review-Kaldewei-Invisible-Grip — Kaldewei Invisible Grip

Incorporating a practical anti-slip shower floor into projects is a simple, forward-thinking solution that delivers safety and aesthetics without compromising looks. Anti-slip solutions are an ideal strategy when providing long-term support for clients as they improve durability, reduce liability risks, and contribute to a safer, more inclusive environment in hospitality and healthcare. It is all about fostering a sense of comfort and safety.

Adam Teal – country manager Kaldewei UK, explains, “When creating and crafting products that enable accessibility within the bathroom space, the design must also consider the dignity and autonomy of the end user. By doing this you can transform a daily ritual into an assertion of care, as well as making a positive design statement about inclusivity. In addition, this should not be about compliance; it’s about crafting spaces where everyone feels supported and empowered to move freely and safely.”

Kaldewei’s Invisible Grip is certified to quality class C for wet barefoot areas (DIN EN 16165), making it particularly suitable for barrier-free bathroom planning. It’s a solution that speaks to both the practical and emotional needs of users, ensuring that safety doesn’t feel clinical and that design remains aspirational.

According to Kaldewei, when designing with both safety and style in mind, Kaldewei’s Invisible Grip is a quiet revolution. It proves that accessible living can be beautiful, and that the future of bathroom design lies in seamless integration, not compromise.

Space & Time

Bathroom-Review-Ideal-Standard-Concept-Freedom — Ideal Standard Concept Freedom Range

Accessible design is no longer simply a box-ticking exercise in hospitality and healthcare; considered choices such as barrier-free flooring and wheelchair-friendly sanitaryware help to deliver a seamless spatial experience. Incorporating ample room for manoeuvre at the planning stage ensures users benefit from generous clearance around sinks, WCs, and the shower room. When architects and designers prioritise space as a core design element, the result is a bathroom that supports independence, as well as the needs of caregivers.

Ideal Standard’s Yiota Toumba, senior designer at Villeroy & Boch, agrees: “Accessible and inclusive bathrooms no longer mean compromising on style. Thoughtful layouts, wall-mounted basins, walk-in showers, and lever taps ensure safety, comfort, and ease of use for everyone.”

Ideal Standard’s Concept Freedom range, in collaboration with the renowned Studio Levien, features clever design elements that make it easier for those with mobility impairments to use. Wall-hung, back-to-wall, and close-coupled WCs include a design that is 25 per cent higher than average. This reduces pressure on users’ knees and helps to improve the user experience for those with mobility issues. The collection also features shower seats and chrome grab rails, giving a contemporary finish which enhances the overall design.

Love Language

Bathroom-Review-Keuco-Axess. — KEUCO AXESS Collection

Specifying products that are both beautifully designed and functional ensures the bathroom space fosters trust and emotional well-being, as well as a sense of comfort. High aesthetics, coupled with a welcoming design that celebrates diversity, help attract a broader customer base and increase profitability for hoteliers.

James Sketch – KEUCO UK country manager, comments: “Accessibility in the bathroom is not a trend, it’s a design imperative. When creating the bathroom, every element and fixture must be created to anticipate diversity. Although essential for practical purposes the products should be crafted with elegance and precision. True inclusivity means intuitive use without compromise: adaptive heights, tactile clarity.”

Developed in collaboration with the legendary Studio F. A. Porsche, the KEUCO AXESS collection brings a new aesthetic language to inclusive bathroom design. From the folding support rail and modular shower system to discreet grab rails and a freestanding stool, every element is pared back to its essentials, streamlined, sculptural, and purposefully unobtrusive. The result is a suite of products that integrate seamlessly into high-end hospitality, healthcare, and residential environments, without ever compromising on style.

Showered with Love

Grohe Sensia Pro LIXIL Dow Jones Index Sustainability — GROHE Sensia Pro

Shower toilets are the icing on the cake when it comes to inclusive planning. The latest ranges combine cleansing and drying functions, adjustable nozzles, and night lights, elevating hygeine standards whilst promoting greater user independence and a sense of wellbeing.

Lewis Neathey, leader, marketing & product management UK at GROHE UK, LIXIL Europe, agrees: “In both healthcare and hotel settings, shower toilets deliver exceptional benefits by combining hygiene, comfort, sustainability, and a luxurious experience. Cleansing with water is an age-old tradition that is still favoured in many parts of the world; however, shower toilets bring this natural form of cleaning into the 21st century with features promoting improved personal hygiene, accessibility, app connectivity, and personalisation.”

GROHE has expanded its shower toilet offering with the new entry-level product, GROHE Sensia Pro. Designed to meet consumers’ hygiene needs in one streamlined solution, shower toilets combine the benefits of a regular toilet with those of a bidet.

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*World Health Organization

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KEUCO AXESS: Where design meets dignity

October 2, 2025

In a sector where functionality often overshadows form, KEUCO AXESS redefines what it means to create accessible bathrooms—proving that barrier-free design can be both beautiful and intelligent.

Developed in collaboration with the legendary Studio F. A. Porsche, the AXESS collection brings a new aesthetic language to inclusive bathroom design. From the folding support rail and modular shower system to discreet grab rails and a freestanding stool, every element is pared back to its essentials—streamlined, sculptural, and purposefully unobtrusive. The result is a suite of products that integrate seamlessly into high-end hospitality, healthcare, and residential environments, without ever compromising on style.

Design Without Compromise

AXESS is more than a product range—it’s a cross-generational concept. Crafted from premium materials and available in chrome, matt black, or aluminium-chrome finishes, the collection is engineered to support autonomy and comfort for users of all ages and abilities. Whether in a luxury hotel suite, a spa retreat, or a private residence, AXESS enhances quality of life through thoughtful design.

The folding support rail, for example, is a far cry from institutional predecessors. When not in use, it lies flat against the wall in a sleek, minimalist gesture. When lowered, it offers elegant support with a refined silhouette. Optional accessories, such as a retrofittable toilet paper holder with colour-matched roller stoppers, enable additional customisation whilst maintaining the overall visual appeal.

Function That Elevates

Each component in the AXESS series is designed to enhance safety and independence—at the washbasin, WC, shower, and bath. Wall fixings are discreet yet robust, ensuring stability without visual clutter. The shower rail system is fully adaptable, allowing planners and architects to tailor configurations to specific spatial and user needs.

This is barrier-free design reimagined: not as a concession, but as an elevated experience. AXESS turns the accessible bathroom into a space of dignity, comfort, and timeless appeal—making it a compelling choice for forward-thinking developers, specifiers, and private clients alike.

As demand grows for inclusive environments that don’t sacrifice aesthetics, KEUCO AXESS stands out as a benchmark in universal design. It’s not just about meeting standards—it’s about setting them.

www.keuco.com

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Kudos expands Pinnacle8 range with new Pentangle shower enclosures

September 23, 2025

Kudos has launched its first collection of Pentangle shower enclosures, expanding its popular Pinnacle8 collection. Designed as a stylish alternative to quadrant enclosures, this accessible range is available in a choice of chrome, matte black, or brushed brass profiles.

This new hinged enclosure range features 8mm toughened safety glass panels, and models are available in 900 x 900mm, 1200 x 900mm, and 1400 x 900mm sizes, all 2000mm in height.

Models come with concealed fixings throughout and feature stylish and robust die-cast rise-and-fall hinges to ensure the doors close easily every time. To aid with installation, the slimline profiles offer 20mm of adjustment, and the glass-to-glass seals are crystal clear, providing a beautifully clean finish.

Made in the UK, these enclosures have Lifeshield glass protection to ease cleaning and come with a lifetime guarantee. This new enclosure collection currently works well when installed on a wetroom floor, but a new Pentangle shower tray will soon be available to suit.

Kudos Shower Products has been designing and manufacturing shower products at its Cumbria facility since 1999. Now part of the Ronal Bathroom Group, its portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens, and wet-room solutions sold via KBB showrooms and merchants across the UK.

Bathroom-Reveiw-Kudos-P8-Pentangle-level-access.

Visit their website kudosshowers.co.uk.

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A design for life – accessible bathrooms from Duravit

July 9, 2025

Wisely planned, today’s comfortable bathroom can become tomorrow’s age-appropriate or even accessible bathroom. Comfort, flexibility, and safety can coexist with sophisticated design and a welcoming atmosphere.

Therefore, it makes sense to think of the future during any bathroom renovation. There are an increasing number of people who wish to continue living autonomously in their homes as they grow older, or if they become disabled. Surveys suggest that the bathroom may be the most essential room in the house in terms of features suitable for older or disabled individuals.

Between necessity and free expression: accessible bathroom features

Guidelines on how to design an accessible bathroom exist in many countries. For example, in Germany, a bathroom in a public building must be DIN 18040 compliant to attract funding and be deemed accessible. The main requirement is sufficient space to move freely or manoeuvre a walking frame or wheelchair. It is also essential to remove or lower the heights of thresholds and access points.

Showers such as the Sustano and Tempano ranges from Duravit that are flush with the floor are crucial, and an accessible bathroom should be wheelchair-accessible beneath the washbasins, as is the case for models
Duravit D-Code Vital, DuraStyle Vital, or Starck 3 Vital. And into the mix, contactless faucets such as Sensor 1 from Duravit, which make everyday life easier. Toilets with a raised sitting position and a projection of 700 mm enhance the quality of life for people with limited mobility.

Bathroom-Review-Duravit-barrierfree_bathroom

Other essential elements for an accessible bathroom include grab bars and support rails, as well as non-slip floor covering. Doors should be wide enough and open outward, especially for wheelchair users. Bright lighting makes it easier to navigate.

Comfort that grows with you – multi-generational planning

However, relying solely on standards to manage this complex topic is insufficient. An assessment and future-oriented planning based on an individual’s needs is valid here, as a multi-generational bathroom with accessible elements can then be adapted to the users’ needs in later phases of life. It is designed to be welcoming and aesthetically appealing – a feel-good space that seamlessly integrates accessibility. As a comprehensive bathroom manufacturer, Duravit offers a range of design products that encompass both inclusive and attractive bathroom designs.

Universal design: when beauty knows no bounds

The principle of “universal design is geared toward the same approach: rooms should be designed to be accessible for everyone while still being aesthetically appealing, for greater inclusion and quality of life. Duravit offers a comprehensive product range that intelligently combines function, form, and emotional impact, supporting planners, architects, and private developers. After all, a beautiful bathroom knows no barriers.

Bathroom-Review-Duravit-barrierfree_accessible-bathroom

*According to a representative study conducted by the German Sanitary

Industry Association (Vereinigung Deutsche Sanitärwirtschaft, VDS) in conjunction with the Forsa Institute, 95 per cent of respondents consider age-appropriate bathroom design to be important or very important in enabling autonomous living for older people. The fact that 66 per cent consider such features to be “very important”, with even 60 per cent of 18 to 29-year-olds agreeing with this opinion, deserves special mention.

(Source: Trends, Talks and new products – Accessible bathroom Campaign)

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Kaldewei launches Puro Next – a new era for the iconic bathtub series

July 1, 2025

Kaldewei is launching the next chapter in its Puro bathtub series: the Puro Next. This refreshed model showcases a streamlined, contemporary design that blends elegance with practicality. Engineered for comfort and manufactured with durable, easy-to-clean materials, the Puro Next brings a sense of accessible luxury to a broad audience – from young couples and growing families to discerning mature homeowners.

The revamped Puro – the Puro Next series offers three options to cater for various needs: The Kaldewei Puro Next single-seater bathtub provides comfort for individual bathers thanks to a generous lying surface, the Kaldewei Puro Next Duo has ergonomic backrests at both ends enabling bathing for two should you so wish, and the Kaldewei Puro Next Combi combines relaxed bathing and refreshing showering in one product with a secure standing surface.

Available in six sizes, ranging from 160 x 70 cm to 190 x 90 cm, the series offers a wide range of bathroom solutions for various floor plans, enabling flexible and creative bathroom planning.

There are no compromises when it comes to the surface either: The tub made of glazed steel is impact and scratch resistant, does not discolour and remains impeccable even under heavy use; as shown by the extensive use in busy hotel bathrooms and private bathing oases.

Modern Design: Sleek and Safety

A highlight of the Kaldewei Puro Next is its extra-flat tub edge, with a height of only 10 mm. This dimension enhances its elegant appearance. The precise radii and low edge enable seamless integration of the Kaldewei Puro Next into a tiled surface. A generous floor length and the ergonomic back slope with a softly tapered neck area ensure a comfortable lying position. At the same time, the ideal entry height and optional grips make it perfect for use at every stage of life.

The glazed surface creates a refined appearance and also allows the tub to shine again quickly and effortlessly after each bath. Additionally, surface finishes such as Invisible Grip or Antislip can be requested to provide extra slip resistance in the Kaldewei Puro Next bathtub.

The newly updated Puro bathtub series shows the contemporary evolution of one of its most popular product families. With a refined, flat tub edge and a sleek, modern aesthetic, the redesigned Puro combines timeless elegance with exceptional comfort and ease of maintenance. It is engineered to meet the needs of all generations.

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New Kinediva from Kinedo – for the diva in your life!

June 30, 2025

Kinedo has launched the newest addition to its portfolio of cuttable shower trays. The stunning Kinediva lives up to its name with its elegant styling and unique lateral water flow design for efficient drainage.

Available in three colours, including beautiful marine blue, beige, and white, and with a stylish matte finish, Kinediva oozes elegance and style. Just 35mm thick, it is available in square and rectangular profiles in 17 popular sizes, ensuring a match for almost every shower space. The colour-coordinated waste has an extra-flat matching waste cover and drains up to 24L/min.

As with other models in the Kinedo tray range, Kinediva is cuttable and in this case, on all four sides, ensuring that awkward spaces can be easily overcome. The flexible, low-level tray can be fitted flush to the floor in a recess, directly placed on the floor for low-threshold entry, or on raised feet when the situation requires it. Designed for all users, the tray offers an anti-slip surface and is not only easy to fit, but also easy to clean and highly durable.

The perfect shower for new build homes and refurbishment projects alike, the Kinediva offers a stunning point of difference for bathrooms.

More news from Kinedo

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Barbie™ x HEWI: Two icons – one vision

June 9, 2025

The new Barbie x HEWI sanitary collection, recently unveiled at ISH Frankfurt, marries timeless Bauhaus design principles with Barbie’s iconic colour palette, creating a series that celebrates individuality and inclusivity. This collection not only sets new standards for bathroom design but also embodies the spirit of independence, inspiration, and appreciation for every person’s uniqueness.

Universal HEWI – Design for Everyone

Universal design has always been at the heart of HEWI’s philosophy. For over 95 years, the company has been crafting products that deliver real value to people. HEWI stands out with premium materials, iconic colours, and simple, intuitive usability. These values shine in the Barbie x HEWI collection—a design made accessible to all, regardless of individual needs or abilities.

Barbie – A Symbol of Optimism and Diversity

Barbie is the most diverse doll line in the world with more than 175 looks, including body types, skin colours, hairstyles, hair colours, eye colours and visible and non-visible disabilities. This diversity is reflected in the Barbie x HEWI collection, honouring the beauty of uniqueness.

Design with limitless possibilities

The Barbie x HEWI collection comprises almost 40 high-quality sanitary products that blend HEWI’s iconic design with Barbie’s unmistakable style. From towel holders and soap dispensers to toilet brush sets and folding support rails, the collection offers thoughtful solutions for design-conscious customers seeking to combine functionality and flair. With a fresh colour palette, HEWI reimagines its legendary 477/801 series, bringing a modern edge and stylish charm to bathroom spaces.

The collection’s products meet the highest standards of quality, durability, and functionality. The colour range spans elegant pale pink to chic combinations of pale pink, white, and black, offering versatile design possibilities for any bathroom.

About Mattel – Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel has been a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.

About HEWI Heinrich Wilke GmbH – Since its foundation in 1929, HEWI has developed into a system provider for comprehensive solutions in the areas of architectural hardware, sanitary accessories and accessible products. Over the past 95 years, the company has grown to become a leader in the field of accessibility and a recognised expert in system design. In line with Universal Design, HEWI focuses on the individual needs of people.

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The latest trends in accessible bathrooms by Fitzroy of London

March 31, 2025

In an era where inclusivity and comfort are essential, accessible bathroom designs have evolved to meet the needs of all users, no matter their age or ability. Fitzroy of London, a leading supplier of innovative and accessible bathroom solutions, unveils the latest trends shaping the future of accessible bathroom designs in hotels, hospitality and residential settings. These trends are not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing, ensuring that every bathroom can be a sanctuary of style, safety and accessibility.

Bathroom-Review-Universal-bathroom-design-Fitzroy-of-London

Universal design is a growing trend in bathroom design, and it’s becoming an essential aspect of any modern bathroom. The focus is on creating spaces that are accessible, functional and comfortable for people of all abilities and ages, ensuring that everyone can use the bathroom with ease and dignity. Inclusive design is also no longer solely about functionality; it also takes beauty and aesthetics into consideration, with many designers creating bathrooms that don’t look institutional or sterile.

Bathroom-Review-Level-Access-Fitzroy-of-London

Stylish grab-rails and supportive accessories

Incorporating stylish grab rails and supportive accessories is another increasingly popular trend in bathroom design. No longer clinical-looking, grab bars are now available in sleek finishes, such as matt black and brushed brass, which instantly complement contemporary interiors and, when not being used for accessibility purposes, can double up as a stylish towel rack. With designers making conscious decisions to incorporate these elements into their designs, bathrooms are becoming more inclusive, safer and visually appealing for all users.

Bathroom-Review-Inclusive-Design--Level-access

Level-access showers, including zero-thresholds

Level-access showers, including zero-threshold showers, are a key trend in modern bathrooms, offering a barrier-free entry that enhances safety and convenience. Fitzroy of London eliminates steps or raised edges, allows easy wheelchair access, and reduces the risk of tripping. Combining modern aesthetics with functionality, zero-threshold showers create a spacious and seamless look, making them an ideal choice for both accessibility and contemporary bathroom design. Shower seats can be designed to blend seamlessly into the overall design. Non-slip flooring is also imperative for the safety of all users, but particularly those who have difficulty standing.

Bathroom-Review-Contrasting-Colours-Fitzroy

Bathroom Review Multigenerational living

Contrasting colours & textures

Accessible bathrooms were once merely an afterthought when it came to their style and appearance, with most designers only focusing on their functionality. Whilst this plays an integral role, designers are beginning to prioritise the style and aesthetics of the space too. Whether in a residential, commercial or hospitality environment, bold contrasts and textured elements are known for improving the visual clarity for users with low vision, whilst glossy finishes will help to create depth and interest.

Adjustable & smart features

The rise of adjustable and customisable features in today’s bathrooms will help enhance comfort, independence, and style for all users. Removable grab rails, shower seats and showerheads, height-adjustable worktops, sinks, and mirrors can cater to various mobility needs and bring flexibility to a design space. Smart, hands-free taps and shower controls also offer both functionality and subtle elegance whilst prioritising hygienic practises and inclusivity. With bathroom designs evolving with changing needs, it is possible to maintain a modern and sophisticated aesthetic which works for all.

Fitzroy of London is at the forefront of designing innovative, functional bathrooms for today’s modern world. With expertise in accessible design and multigenerational living solutions, the company creates spaces which are aesthetically pleasing whilst honouring individual needs

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Hospitality design – bathrooms & spas

February 28, 2025

Features by Diane Larner, founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review.
Diane Larner launched both titles over 15 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.

Creating a successful design for the hotel industry means building operational and safe spaces that enhance the user experience. In spa areas and bathrooms, guests seek immersive environments where they can unwind and switch off from the everyday. Additionally, integrating advanced technologies, including smart lighting and climate control systems, allows visits to be personalised.

Today’s consumers also want sustainability-assurances, and with eco-travel on the rise, Booking.com has confirmed that 73%* of travellers prefer an eco-sustainable hotel rather than a traditional one.

Keeping it light

Bathroom-Review-Schluter-Systems-creative-lighting_Hospitality

Accent lighting in bathrooms or spas plays a key role when developing a functional yet inviting atmosphere. Lighting design that is divided adequately between ambient and task goes a long way to ensure the space is well-lit yet with a good balance between brightness and softness.

Schlüter-Systems is well known for enabling the design and installation of long-lasting, creative bathrooms and has a varied portfolio of intelligent products and systems. The collection of lighting systems, which incorporate advanced control and luminaire technology, offers almost unlimited choice for the most imaginative schemes.

Schlüter-LIPROTEC can be installed in a choice of direct or indirect lighting effects, enabling the interior designer, architect, or property owner to illuminate feature walls, pictures, tiled areas such as shower enclosures or study spaces, kitchen countertops, and stairways. In fact, anywhere, the creative mind can conceive a plan.

Surface appeal

Bathroom-Review-hewi-surfaces- — HEWI PVD Surfaces

PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) surfaces are increasingly popular in hospitality design thanks to their durability and aesthetic appeal. The PVD process is considered more environmentally friendly as it produces less waste and uses fewer chemicals. In addition, PVD doesn’t utilise toxic solvents or heavy metals.

PVD coatings are also highly durable and have an extended lifespan, which reduces environmental impact since they will not need to be replaced. As sustainability becomes a growing focus in hospitality design, the use of PVD surfaces offers a more eco-conscious option without compromising on quality or aesthetics.

Florian Haude, HEWI product manager, explains, “PVD-coated surfaces are trending and highly sought after in the hotel industry. Their durable, scratch-resistant finish ensures long-lasting elegance, even in high-traffic areas. From stylish bathroom fixtures to refined furniture details, PVD coatings enhance aesthetics while offering superior resistance to wear and tear.

“In addition to their durability, these surfaces are easy to maintain and retain their flawless appearance. With a wide range of modern finishes available, PVD technology allows hotels to create stylish and contemporary interiors that stand the test of time.”

HEWI has added twelve new PVD metallic designer surfaces, including brass, bronze, and gold. The latest designs can help transform contemporary sanitary rooms into personalised oases of well-being – be it in hotels, representative public buildings, elective surgery areas in hospitals or the bathroom at home.

A touch of glass

Bathroom-Review-RAUVISIO-REHAU-shower Hospitality — RAUVISIO Crystal Glass Laminates

When selecting products for walls, washbasins, floors or furniture, creating a streamlined look will help to deliver sleek, sophisticated style. Clean cut, reflective surfaces and cabinetry add a high-end feel and reflect light, which in turn enhances the sense of space. These smooth, seamless finishes provide elegant good looks and offer a practical hygiene benefit. In short, materials such as high-gloss laminates and smooth composite surfaces are an ideal way to deliver contemporary style to both public spaces and private rooms, and although traditional glass delivers the same look, it is fragile and hard to maintain.

REHAU’s RAUVISIO glass laminate collections combine this balance of elegance and practicality, offering a modern alternative that maintains the aesthetic appeal of glass with added durability.

All systems go

Bathroom-Review-CRL-Stone-Scene-15-Serenity-Brushed-Stainless-Steel- — CRL Stone Serenity Shower System

Employing universal and adaptive design principles means hoteliers can create spaces that are accessible to all guests. Investing in shower rooms that are inclusive is not just a moral step in the right direction, it also represents strategic business acumen that will increase profitability in the long run.

Simon Boocock, MD, CRL, explains, “Hoteliers are increasingly recognising the benefits of bespoke showering solutions which can accommodate a range of guest requirements. Today’s discerning guests want seamless, design-led, accessible solutions that cater for a variety of different needs without looking institutionalised.

CRL’s sleek and stylish Ceralsio surfaces are well suited to damp, humid bathrooms, are durable, and are easy to keep clean while also creating the high-end, spa-style aesthetic that today’s guests expect. They can be combined with its frameless, accessible sliding glass shower doors and CRL’s Serenity Shower System in Brushed Stainless Steel to create a light, minimalistic wetroom design.

“Bespoke showers that provide universal solutions have become an increasingly attractive choice for hoteliers with wetrooms and wall cladding leading the way.”

Make a statement

Incorporating deep, enriching colour into design remains a key trend for 2025. Colour helps create an atmosphere with earthy tones such as reds and gold, promoting cosy warmth, whilst cool blues and greens deliver a calming sense of tranquillity. Add a statement piece, like a freestanding bath, into the mix, and you have a unique design that helps build brand identity.

Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs, agrees, “While luxurious freestanding baths have been a staple of hotel design for at least the last decade, we’re seeing a move to combine this with colour and personalisation. Combining a freestanding bath with dramatic colour is a sure-fire way to create an on-trend bathroom without overpowering the space”

“One such colour that is everywhere this year is avocado, which offers both an earthy and rich palette which brings a vibrancy without being overpowering. In fact, it is the biggest colour trend of bathroom design this year.”

BC Designs is renowned for its high-quality, design-led baths, with its Cian® and Copper Bath Ranges being standout choices for luxury hotel bathrooms. These baths not only provide a striking focal point but also offer durability, practicality, and a superior bathing experience—key considerations for high-end hospitality settings.

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*Wubook

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Inclusive & accessible bathroom design

November 26, 2024

Features by Diane Larner, founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review.
Diane Larner launched both titles over 15 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.

Inclusive design is becoming more accepted in general bathroom projects. It ensures that buildings not only meet accessibility requirements but also creates a welcoming environment that caters to the needs of all users. In today’s world, it makes sense to deliver accessible spaces that serve all physical abilities, including mobility challenges, sensory impairments, and age-related conditions.

Hewi product manager Florian Haude agrees, “Accessible design is increasingly becoming the standard in architecture and product design. The focus is particularly on universal design, which makes products and rooms accessible to all people, regardless of their abilities. For example, floor-level showers are not only practical for people with limited mobility but also offer comfort and safety for all age groups. Combined with non-slip surfaces, grab rails and shower seats, an accessible bathroom becomes the norm, combining functionality and aesthetics.”

Easy elegance

Bathroom-Review-Ideal-Standard-Multibrand-Multi-suite — Ideal Standard

According to the World Health Organization, over one billion people—about 15% of the global population—live with some disability*, and one in five people are 65 or over. Creating beautiful, inclusive spaces ensures everyone can experience the same level of comfort and enjoyment which makes it a win-win for developers.

Ideal Standard’s senior designer Yiota Toumba comments, “Building or upgrading bathrooms to be more accessible and comfortable for elderly or less mobile residents is one of the most impactful steps developers and housing managers can take. This will both greatly improve quality of life for residents and increase a property’s value.”

Ideal Standard seamlessly blends stylish design with thoughtful functionality. Its Concept Freedom range, designed in collaboration with Studio Levien, offers considerate features for users with mobility impairments. For example, the collection includes wall-hung, back-to-wall, and close-coupled WCs that are 25% higher than average, reducing knee pressure and improving comfort.

Axess all areas

Accessible showers also ensure safety and comfort for all users. Key features include barrier-free entry, which allows easy access for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. Adjustable showerheads, grab bars, and non-slip flooring enhance safety, while a shower seat offers a convenient resting option. By integrating inclusive design, these product lines ensure accessibility is seamlessly integrated into everyday life.

Several companies are leading the way in this area, offering a wide range of products to ensure safety and comfort. KEUCO is one such brand. As the demand for barrier-free bathroom concepts continues to grow, so has KEUCO’s product offering. Its ranges support physical disabilities and comprise highly functional but beautifully designed products that ensure comfort and safety in the bathroom.

KEUCO’s ranges include ergonomically designed PLAN CARE shower products, IXMO shower fittings, including shower rails and railing systems, KEUCO AXESS (pictured above and top), and a sustainable and cross-generational wetroom rail system that can be flexibly adapted to suit any space.

Accessible accessories

Inclusive Design HEWI — HEWI Tilting Mirror

Thanks to growing innovation in the industry, accessible design is not limited to the shower or bath. A growing range of products means inclusivity is easily accommodated in every aspect of the bathroom. Adaptive accessories play a vital role in ensuring usability for all; for example, mirrors placed at accessible heights help individuals in wheelchairs or with limited mobility use them easily.

As an expert in barrier-free sanitary solutions, HEWI has introduced an exciting addition to its product lineup: the motorised tilting mirror. This new model offers extra ease and functionality – the tilt function can be adjusted with precision up to a 28° angle, all controlled wirelessly via a sleek wall switch.

Freshen up

Accessible Design TOTO — TOTO NEOREST WX

Shower toilets offer significant benefits when it comes to accessible design. These toilets provide a hygienic, gentler and more effective cleaning method than traditional toilet paper. These options are especially beneficial for individuals with limited mobility, sensitive skin or arthritis. The latest models have been designed to let users adjust water pressure and temperature – this helps promote independence and reduces the need for assistance. Thanks to their ergonomic design, comfort is enhanced, and water-saving features make them an environmentally responsible choice. If designers wish to prioritise inclusivity, shower toilets offer a practical solution.

Kazuki Osugi, general manager of TOTO UK, explains the importance of new technology, “If people lose strength and mobility, things like going to the toilet can become very difficult. It’s an unpleasant experience to feel helpless in such intimate moments – especially for people who wish to live self-determined lives with dignity. Designing an appropriate bathroom is an important step to keep people going to the toilet as long as possible without assistance. A TOTO WASHLET bidet toilet with various features is a great solution for hospitality environments.”

TOTO’s NEOREST WX features the latest WASHLET technology. This new design cleverly conceals advanced features while maintaining a sleek and minimalist aesthetic. The NEOREST WX is one of TOTO’s premium offerings, showcasing the brand’s commitment to luxury, hygiene, and comfort.

Child’s play

Using colour in residences where children with disabilities and special needs are cared for can promote a positive and supportive environment. Colours influence mood, behaviour, and cognitive function, helping create spaces that are calming, stimulating, or comforting, depending on the child’s needs.

HEWI’s products for children are not only designed in uplifting colours but also meet a variety of requirements: They are safe, easy to use, and robust. In addition, they are easy to clean and hygienic. Products used in cots, nurseries, kindergartens, or schools must withstand high loads over the long term. HEWI products for children meet all these requirements.

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*The World Health report

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